The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 made an impressive debut at the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar, securing a double LMGT3 class podium in a thrilling opening round. The US-based Heart of Racing team, piloted by Ian James, Daniel Mancinelli, and Alex Riberas, showcased the new Vantage GT3's potential, narrowly missing out on a class victory after a fierce battle that culminated in a tight five-second gap to the front-runner. Despite being a relative newcomer to the WEC, the Heart of Racing team's second-place finish marked its second consecutive podium, following a third-place finish at the 2023 8 Hours of Bahrain finale. The D'station Racing team also stood on the podium, finishing third with a stellar performance by drivers Clément Mateu, Erwan Bastard, and Marco Sørensen, highlighting the Vantage GT3's remarkable speed and capabilities. Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport, commended the Vantage GT3's competitive performance and the engaging nature of the LMGT3 class format introduced by WEC. He expressed confidence in the Vantage's potential and anticipated further success in upcoming races, emphasizing the car's accessibility and high-performance attributes. Both Vantage GT3s showed strong early pace, with Mateu impressing in the opening stint, running as high as third place. The Heart of Racing team's strategic decisions and consistent driving by James and Riberas allowed them to maintain a competitive edge throughout the race. Notable performances by D'station Racing's rookie drivers and a thrilling podium battle further underscored the Vantage GT3's prowess on the track. Looking ahead to the next round at Imola, the teams are optimistic about building on their success and further unlocking the potential of the new Vantage GT3 platform. The exceptional debut performance at the Qatar race sets the stage for an exciting season ahead in the WEC, with drivers and teams eager to continue showcasing the capabilities of the Vantage GT3 in the highly competitive endurance racing landscape.
